Giro d'Italia is only a few points behind the Tour de France and is the world's second-largest competition among cyclists. At the beginning of May begins the 106 race, which will last until the end of the month. In honour of this, the Italian minister for foreign affairs and deputy prime minister Antonio Tajani addressed an event commemorating the upcoming event in Italy. He said that sport is an instrument of foreign policy, so Italy wants to support Ukraine.
"The Giro d'Italia is one of the biggest sporting events in our country, including other countries. I would like it to start next year in Ukraine. This would be a sign of attention to a country we strongly support," said Tayani during his speech.
Previously, the Italian government had only 3 bicycle races in other countries: Budapest (2022), Jerusalem (2018), and Belfast (2014). In addition to the proposal to hold a symbolic contest in 2024 in Ukraine, the Italian government provides military support to counteract Russian war aggression.
Recall that while Italy recognizes sport as an instrument of foreign policy, the international judo federation allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the World Cup-2023. The Federation took this decision on the last day of registration for the competition, which will be held in Qatar. Ten hours before completion of registration, athletes from the aggressor countries were allowed to perform under neutral flags. In turn, the Ukrainian team withdrew from participation in the World Cup.
Sport is a method of declaring a country, its values, the support of others, friendship, and the ability to live in peace even with the greatest rival with the tatami or bike track.
